Cockling ban for Dee Estuary after 'serious drop' in stock levels

Low stock levels have meant the cockle beds on the Dee Estuary have been closed

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Cocklers have been banned from the Dee estuary in Flintshire after a “serious drop” in cockle stocks, say Natural Resources Wales.

Over-cropping last year and illegal cockle picking as well as natural causes have left environmental officials “no choice” but to close the Dee cockle beds for 2015.

Natural Resources Wales currently issue 53 licences for commercial cockle fishing on the estuary – it is the first time since 2008 that officials have had to close the estuary’s cockle beds.

The agency introduced a new tougher licensing system in 2008 and since then it has managed a sustainable fishery, making sure there are enough cockles for the 53 licensees and for overwintering birds who feed on the estuary, all while leaving enough behind to breed for the next season.

However recent surveys of all known cockle beds, and extra areas reported to hold stocks, show that this year’s stocks fall far short of the figure required to open the fishery.

Natural Resources Wales say that they hope by taking this “difficult decision” now that it can secure the sustainability of the fishery for future years so it can continue to make an important contribution to the local economy.

Tim Jones, executive director for operations North and Mid Wales, Natural Resources Wales said: “We know that this will come as a blow to the licensees who make a living from the cockle beds, but despite our best efforts, the unexpected drop in stock levels this year has left us with no choice but to close the beds.

“We understand the value of the fishery to the local economy, and we want to work with the cocklers to help secure the stocks and keep it sustainable for the future. We’ll be meeting with the licensees next month to talk to them about the current situation, next steps and what they can do to help secure the fishery’s long-term sustainability, by abiding by the terms of their licence.”

Before new rules came in on 2008, hundreds of people were allowed a permit to pick cockles, which saw the beds closed multiple times.

Between 1993-2007 the cockle beds were closed more often than they were open – eight out of 15 seasons were not able to support any cockling – but more recently 53 cocklers have been able to fish sustainably for six months of the year.

Mr Jones said: “In the meantime, the current stock of cockles will be carefully monitored and looked after so it can survive and help provide enough cockles to support the licensees’ livelihoods, and the bird populations for next season.

“We’ll also continue to crack down on illegal cockling in the estuary, and take action against those whose irresponsible actions put the fishery in jeopardy."